DR Congo President gifts luxury jeep to AFCON’s viral Lumumba Vea superfan

Abdullateef Fowewe

Michel Kuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea, the legendary superfan who captured hearts across Africa with his motionless tribute to Congolese icon Patrice Lumumba during AFCON 2025, has received a stunning honour from President Félix Tshisekedi.

The president presented Lumumba Vea with a brand-new luxury Jeep, complete with a custom license plate reading “CADEAU DU PRÉSIDENT” – French for “Gift from the President.”

This gesture celebrates the superfan’s unwavering passion, dignity, and iconic presence in the stadium stands that went viral, uniting football enthusiasts continent-wide.

Reports indicate Lumumba Vea will soon enjoy a private one-on-one meeting with President Tshisekedi, marking his transformation from online sensation to national treasure.

Lumumba Vea’s journey underscores football’s magic off the pitch, where raw passion, cultural identity, and pride can rally a nation and spark widespread admiration.